Public Sector Leadership

Introduction to Public Policy

Gain a clear understanding of the role of the public sector in policy development.

Mode of delivery
Face-to-face

Duration
1 full-day

Investment
From $575

Overview

This workshop offers a comprehensive introduction to public policy, guiding participants through the policymaking cycle from issue identification and agenda-setting to cabinet processes and public accountability. You’ll gain insight into the role of the media, essential policy advisor skills, analytical tools, and the importance of effective consultation and implementation. Designed for individuals with limited experience in policy or those moving into policy-focused roles, this course strengthens your ability to navigate smart policy development in modern government contexts.

Delivered by experts Dr Altaf Virani and Dr Jessica Genauer from Flinders University, it equips you with the foundational competencies for effective policy advising and action.

What you will study

This program will enable you to understand the policy-making process and the broad principles of public policy analysis:

The context of public policy
The cabinet system
Accountability for policy in a Parliamentary system
Identifying issues and agenda setting
The role of the media
Policy skills:
- What makes a good policy adviser
- Policy analysis, tools and process
- Linking implementation to analysis
- Consultation, when and how?

Benefits to You and Your Organisation

Enhance your capacity to become a good policy advisor and examine the tools needed for “smart policy” in changing times.

Who should attend

This course is designed for people with limited public policy experience or for those who are moving into a policy position.

The training can be taken through the Institute of Public Administration Australia (IPAA) more information under IPAA training link.

The training can also be delivered in-house for a public sector cohort. Please register interest to enquire about this option.

Course dates for 2025

October 2025

Monday, 27 October 2025

Enquiries

Contact:

Jessica Genauer

jessica.genauer@flinders.edu.au

+61 8 7421 9896

Course details

Structure and Assessment

1 full day
9:30am-4:30pm (9:15am registration)
Contact us for alternate duration and delivery style options

Competency framework
Entry Level Core (ASO1-ASO2)
Front Line Core (ASO2-ASO5)
(this competency framework is provided as a guide only)

Inclusions
Workbook, resources, lunch, morning tea and refreshments

Location
IPAA SA Level 6, 12 Pirie Street, Adelaide SA 5000
View map

Costs
Personal Member $575
State Govt Employee Member $615
Corporate Member $625
Non-Member $725

Assessment

Course assessment is designed to help you apply the skills and knowledge gained throughout the program to your professional context. Assessment includes: Participation, Quizzes, Case Study Brief and an Engagement Plan.

Course cancellation & refunds

Courses are subject to sufficient registrations. Flinders University reserves the right to cancel a course. If a course is cancelled, you will have the opportunity to transfer your registration or be issued a full refund. If a registrant cancels within 14 calendar days of course commencement, a 50% registration fee will apply.

Facilitators

Dr Atlaf Virani

Dr Altaf Virani is a Lecturer in Government at Flinders University’s College of Business, Government and Law. He specializes in public policy, governance, and public administration with a focus on health policy and health systems, public systems, social policy, and development. His research is centred around public sector reform and the governance challenges of public service delivery in resource-poor settings, transitional economies, and non-Western contexts, particularly in South and Southeast Asia. His research seeks to bridge theory and practice, and touches on policy design, public sector performance management, market-based governance, public-private partnership, collaborative governance, data-driven decision-making, knowledge-translation, and the equity implications of policy interventions.

Before joining Flinders, Dr. Virani served as Associate Professor of Public Policy at Monash University, Indonesia, where he led the development and strategic expansion of Monash’s public policy program in Jakarta. He has a strong applied focus, having worked with governments, international agencies (including the World Bank, ILO, and the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation), and civil society organizations to design, implement, and evaluate field-based policy research.

Dr Jessica Genauer

Dr. Jessica Genauer is a Senior Lecturer in International Relations at Flinders University. Jessica is an expert in international conflict, political leadership and institution-building, and is a frequent commentator for national and international outlets on Russia/Ukraine, the Middle East and the US. Jessica currently leads training in leadership and stakeholder engagement for both State and Federal government.